16 Dec - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

With the jetlag in full grip we got up earlier for a sub-standard hotel breakfast of flat orange Fanta, stale cornflakes and weird toast. The coffee tasted like it had been mixed with oily noodles. We ventured out wandering back towards the Royal Palace in the blazing heat getting used to crossing the road and avoiding a very persistent hammock salesman. Eventually we came across a cafe that served a luxury American breakfast around the corner from the hotel. We also ventured into the local market that sets up at 5am. Lots of very fresh fish ie still alive plus fruit and veg I'd never seen before. The same hammock salesman was still pushing his wares - mate, if I didn't want it the first 3 times I'm not gonna want it the 4th.

Our driver picked us up on his own and thankfully less chatty than the guide. He was very interested in wedding traditions and costs. After taking the scenic route past embassy houses arrived at the Museum of Genocide, an old school converted into a torture prison. Amazing to see all the victims' photos who looked so normal in their 1970s outfits. The empty rooms with bare beds were extra creepy.

The flight to Siem Reap was a propeller plane for 45 mins flying over the largest lake I've seen. A couple of seats away from us looked like a really important Cambodian as he was saluted and whisked off in a car as soon as we landed. Free WiFi again at the airport.

Really friendly rep named Phearom picked us up who spoke English and Korean. A long straight road to the town past some very grand hotels. Pom and Trev had only just arrived themselves and warmly welcomed us with a beer in their balcony room. Bit of a swim later then a mini-snooze whilst Trev and Pom took a 90 min massage. After a freshen up we walked towards the aptly named Pub Street passing a few places with massaging fish - ones that eat your feet's dead skin. First places for drinks was the Red Piano with Waldoff and Statler from the Muppets featured in the decor. Kerry tried the Angelina Jolie cocktail trying her luck with the every 10th served is free. Next was the 8th Street Brasserie for more food and drink with balcony views of tourists getting Dr Fish. Heading back to the hotel we went round 2 night markets with one having a close up view of some Aspara dancing.

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